The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

"Oh, Give Me A Home, Where:?"

by Dessa Rodeffer, Quill Publisher/Owner

7 September 2005

We were horrified by the unbelievable devastation that Hurricane Katrina wrought to our neighbors in the south on Sunday evening.

In talking with Jennifer (Leath) Scheaffer, Executive Director of 42 groups homes for the mentally challenged outside New Orleans, she said she had no time to check about her home in Metairie.

She was more concerned about moving her residents to safety. And she did. All 270 of them were safe outside the area.

She wasn't ready to share the horror that followed when 12 foot of water hit homes of many of their staff.

During our talk on Monday, she still did not know if she had a home or not and pretty much was in shock.

The need seems unattainable when you think of millions losing everything.

But, the people of the United States have not only been known for their strength, but for their generosity.

We are donating to many groups including the Red Cross, Operating Blessing, Church Organizations, Service Clubs, The Salvation Army and volunteers from fire departments are going to the area to help with recovery issues. A call has gone out to most every organization asking for their help.

Phrases of an old western song haunt us, "O Give Me A Home Where the: Deer and the Antelope Play. :and the skies are not cloudy all day."

Many locally are answering the call for a home. I hope we all pitch in and do whatever it takes to ease the burden on these families.